Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Take Suitable Steps For Prevention Of Acid Rains In The Country. on 24 February, 2000
Title: Need to take suitable steps for prevention of acid rains in the country.
SHRI VAIKO (SIVAKASI): I wish to bring to the notice of Government a serious matter concerning the alarming increase of `acid rain hotspots’ in the country.
The quantum of air pollutants such as carbon, nitrogen and sulphor in the atmospheric air was 3371.74 kilo ton in 1990 in the country. That has now risen to 6594.44 kilo tons. It is expected to reach a dangerous proportion of 10,932.15 kilo tons in 2010.
The North Eastern region, Delhi, South Bihar and the Central region of West Bengal are said to be under the threat of acid rain. A recent study has revealed that Konkan coast and Tamil Nadu too have acid rain hosspots.
The acid rain water isolates mercury in the soil and thus affects the plants and trees. Cattle that eat such plants and grass will be badly affected. Scientists have warned that the children born in acid rain areas could be mentally retarded. It is so serious a matter that it merits as much attention as that of an impending nuclear disaster.
Analysis of rain water collected at Delhi, Calcutta, Bhopal, Lucknow and Pune has revealed dangerous proportions of carbon and sulphor content. It shows that the threat of acid rain looms large on several parts of India.
In view of the gravity of the matter, I call upon the Government to rise to the occasion and take steps on a warfooting to prevent acid rains at all cost in the country.
MR. SPEAKER: The House stands adjourned till tomorrow.
14.07 hours The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Eleven of the Clock on Friday, February 25, 2000/Phalguna 6, 1921 (Saka).
----------